Help how to install non-market apps?

[akalsha]

Hello,
I have a Sony Xperia x10 from AT&T. I'd really like to install some apps without using the market. AT&T has apparently disabled the setting to allow non-market installs? Is there any way to get around this?

thank you

 

[beau420]

Hello,
I have a Sony Xperia x10 from AT&T. I'd really like to install some apps without using the market. AT&T has apparently disabled the setting to allow non-market installs? Is there any way to get around this?

thank you

Yes. But in order to get around this problem you will have to reflash with a generic version of Android (basically wiping the AT&T software) and installing a generic version of Android 2.3.3 for the Xperia x10a or x10i.

In doing so, you have to delete all the things you have on the phone, so you would want to backup everything like pictures/music and contacts (which you can sync using the built in Sync feature under Settings->Accounts and Sync)

Then you have to do the first couple steps in this thread:

http://androidforums.com/x10-all-things-root/449515-how-install-2-3-root.html

But if you have any questions before you do it...if you want to, or if you would rather leave the phone the way it is.

Don't hesitate to follow up

 

[akalsha]

Thank you very much. Probably a dumb question, but AT&T only has this phone up to Android 2.1. Do you think the instructions you posted a link to will still work, and I'll be able to install 2.3? I have an x10a.

 

[beau420]

Thank you very much. Probably a dumb question, but AT&T only has this phone up to Android 2.1. Do you think the instructions you posted a link to will still work, and I'll be able to install 2.3? I have an x10a.

Absolutely. AT&T were being lazy losers and were one of the only companies in the world not to allow their users to update to 2.3 on the x10.

It will definitely work.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 now has Android 2.3, but ... - AT&T Community Support

There are a ton of posts on the AT&T website/forum about it.

 

[akalsha]

I just went through all of the steps on that page, and now for some reason my phone won't start. It's just stuck on the black background with Sony Ericsson in white text. Do you have any idea why?

 

[akalsha]

Hello,
I went through the steps to install the generic ROM again, and stopped there and the phone is working again. Do I need to do the root steps?
Thank you.

 

[beau420]

Hello,
I went through the steps to install the generic ROM again, and stopped there and the phone is working again. Do I need to do the root steps?
Thank you.

You only need to root if you want to root.

If you have the generic version of x10 installed, then at this point you now have the option to installed applications from Unknown Sources.

Rooting allows you to do other things, like remove x10 apps that are part of the generic install and do some other things.

If you do want to root, you can go through the other steps described in that other thread. When you do go through those steps, the phone will freeze at one point and that is normal. It is suppose to.

 

[akalsha]

thanks

 

[beau420]

thanks

For sure. You should be able to see that missing option now.

Under Settings->Applications there should be an option for Unknown apps that allows you to install unknown apps.

So then someone could send you a .APK file and you can install it without having to use the google market at all.

You will need a File Browser/Manager so you can run the file. Just install something like Adao File Manager or some other File Manager from the Google Market. Copy the APK file somewhere on your phone (like under /sdcard/Downloads) then then open your new File Manager and navigate to the location you put the APK file and click on the file to run it. It should prompt you to install.

Done.

 

[RDaveLambert]

I used DroidExplorer. Setup was hassle-free and worked fine
on my ole Win XP machine. And didn't have to root my phone.

Download DroidExplorer 0.8.7.2
<http://www.mediafire.com/file/7oaeac40qot10as/DroidExplorer.0.8.7.2.x86.Setup.zip>

Then installed Dropbox on the computer and phone. That allows you to send any .apk
file you download into Dropbox - which then sends it to your phone!

 

[beau420]

I used DroidExplorer. Setup was hassle-free and worked fine
on my ole Win XP machine. And didn't have to root my phone.

Download DroidExplorer 0.8.7.2
<http://www.mediafire.com/file/7oaeac40qot10as/DroidExplorer.0.8.7.2.x86.Setup.zip>

Then installed Dropbox on the computer and phone. That allows you to send any .apk
file you download into Dropbox - which then sends it to your phone!

For my x10, when I got it from my carrier, Rogers, I could install any APK I want. I just needed a file browser on the phone.

But some carriers prevent you from installing any Unknown Apps.

I believe if you bought a Sony x10 through AT&T, they specifically removed this feature so that users can not install any unknown apps that were not approved or located on the Market.

AT&T have also still not provided their customers who bought x10s to install 2.3. They are stuck on Android 2.1

That is what this thread was for....those people.....the option was completely removed by their provider.

There is a company in the UK that did the same thing and didn't allow users to install software from unknown sources.